I agree completely on the 'too much noise' rattle thing. At times, I think a very fast retrieve with loud rattles (ie. rattling rap/spot etc.) are awesome, and I've had great days on that presentation in the past, but day in day out, I think less rattle is better. Its amazing how loud just the hooks are on a lure. Just dunk your head underwater and have a buddy cast a lure nearby. Those hooks hitting the body of the lure are incredibly loud. For walleyes especially, like you mentioned, I think vibration is much more important than noise. Thats why I think spinner rigs work so well. Sure, no walleye is going to turn up its nose at a big crawler, but I really think its the big thumping blade that gets them turned on and moving towards your bait.

Moonman.